Toronto Raptors – San Antonio Spurs 15.2.12

The Toronto Raptors (9-21) lost again a heartbreaking game against the NY Knicks (87-90) which was their 3rd defeat in their last four games with only to six points difference. Welcoming a team with a nine-games winning streak, doesn’t make things easier for the Raptors to bounce back.

But the Raptors must take them on their own noses as they had a 17 points lead in the 3rd quarter, respectively a 12 points lead in the last quarter against the NY Knicks, failing to close the game and to achieve a win. Jeremy Lin hit a 3-pointer in the face of Jose Calderon with half a second left. The Raptors, now lost 7 of 9 and continue their seven-game home stand with their fifth game in front of their own fans.

The Spurs (20-9) arrive in Toronto after improving to 4-0 on their nine-game road trip with a 99-95 victory over the Detroit Pistons. San Antonio had won just twice in 10 road games prior to this stretch. Going 8-0 in their last eight, the Spurs could break their own unbeaten run from two years ago when they had a 10-0 run. Tim Duncan is back to old numbers, and Tony Parker is performing at his usual numbers. Most important, Ginobili is back again and had 7 assists in the victory of the Spurs over Detroit, after having missed 22 games because of his broken bone in his left arm.

Despite having lost 4 of their last six games, the Raptors showed very good performances and were able to match-up with their opponents, including beating the Boston Celtics 94-86 at home. Toronto is 5-1 ATS (against the spread) in his last six meeting. The Spurs however are just 3-2 (1 push) in their last 6 matches, and I honestly don’t see them to cover the 7.5 points line tonight. Take the Raptors to cover, and even take into consideration a ML (money line) win of the furious Raptors, which surely want to bounce back after three tight losses. Take Toronto including the points. Good luck!